- Details About Estidama
- Four Pillars of Estidama
- Estidama Certification
- Impact of Estidama
- Estidama Rating System
- FAQs
The capital city of Abu Dhabi hosts numerous real estate endeavours and is emerging as a prominent advocate for sustainability in the UAE. The emirate is positioning itself as a frontrunner in global green initiatives. Central to this environmental movement in the UAE capital is the Estidama program by the Urban Planning Council (UPC). Let’s explore the specifics of this initiative in detail.
Details About Estimada Abu Dhabi’s Initiative in Real Estate
Abu Dhabi’s Plan 2030 sets forth a clear vision, establishing sustainability as the cornerstone of all new developments within Abu Dhabi. Estidama aims to establish a fresh sustainability framework guiding current development trajectories while remaining adaptable to evolving understanding.
The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities collaborates with the Estidama team to establish a comprehensive framework. The system evaluates sustainability performance across all development stages, extending beyond conventional planning and construction phases. Its ultimate objective is to enhance the quality of life for emirate residents across four equally important pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social and cultural.
The Four Pillars of Estidama
Fostering a sustainable urban environment, the four interconnected pillars of Estidama include:
Environmental: Emphasising the use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs and efficient waste management systems.
Economic: Promoting economically feasible developments that foster long-term prosperity and lower operational costs.
Social: Advocating for community involvement and the creation of healthy living spaces.
Cultural: Respecting and promoting Abu Dhabi’s distinctive cultural and urban heritage.
Details About Estidama Certification
Estidama certification refers to the process of assessing and recognising the sustainability performance of buildings and developments in Abu Dhabi, through the Estidama program.
Buildings and projects that meet specific sustainability criteria outlined by Estidama can receive certification, indicating their commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Certification levels are determined based on factors such as energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental impact and overall sustainability.
Estidama certification serves as a benchmark for architects, building owners and real estate developers in Abu Dhabi. It demonstrates their adherence to sustainable building principles and contribute to the overall goal of creating a more environmentally conscious and resilient urban environment.
The Impact of Estidama on Abu Dhabi’s Real Estate
There are many pros and cons of investing in Abu Dhabi’s real estate. One of the major benefit is the emirate’s infrastructure and prospects. Estidama emerged from the necessity to plan, design, construct and operate sustainable developments while considering the rich local culture and challenging climatic conditions of the region.
Consequently, project owners, developers, design teams and residents must adopt a different mindset when approaching the design and planning processes.
Estidama has significantly transformed Abu Dhabi’s real estate landscape, leading to several notable outcomes. These include:
Green Buildings: Numerous new developments in the city now embrace green building principles, aligning with Estidama’s Pearl Rating System, which assesses a building’s sustainability.
Energy Efficiency: Properties are meticulously designed to conserve energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to environmental preservation. Here are some tips to increase the energy efficiency of a commercial building.
Improved Living Standards: The initiative has resulted in the establishment of healthier living environments characterised by better air quality, increased natural lighting and enhanced waste management systems.
Community Involvement: It has spurred greater community engagement concerning sustainability, fostering a collective responsibility towards preserving the environment.
Estidama is more than just a program; it embodies a holistic approach to sustainable urban development, profoundly reshaping Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector. Adhering to the four pillars of sustainability, Estidama is revolutionising the city’s construction practices for a healthier and more sustainable future.
Estimada Rating Systems
Estidama uses these rating systems: the Pearl Community Rating System, the Pearl Building Rating System and the Pearl Villa Rating System.
Pearl Community Rating System
The goal of the Pearl Community Rating System (PCRS) is to foster the growth of sustainable communities and enhance the overall quality of life. The PCRS actively promotes the conservation of water, energy and waste reduction. Additionally, it advocates for using local materials and seeks to improve supply chains for sustainable and recycled materials and products.
According to an Executive Council Order issued in May 2010, all new community developments must comply with Estidama requirements starting from June 2010. In response to this directive, significant efforts have been undertaken to synchronise the PCRS with the Abu Dhabi Development and Building Codes.
The PCRS is applicable to developments encompassing multiple plot subdivisions, equipped with a vehicular network, featuring community facilities or amenities. An integral aspect of the PCRS involves master plan teams establishing Pearl Rating targets and guidelines for all buildings within the community.
Pearl Building Rating System
The Pearl Building Rating System (PBRS) also aims towards creating sustainable buildings and improving the overall quality of life. Achieving sustainability in construction involves integrating the four pillars of Estidama, along with a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to building development. Additionally, the PBRS promotes reduction in waste, water and energy.
It also encourages the utilisation of local materials and aims to enhance supply chains for sustainable and recycled materials and products.
In May 2010, an Executive Council Order mandated that all new buildings must meet Estidama requirements starting from September 2010. In response to this directive, significant efforts were conducted to align the PBRS with the Abu Dhabi Development and Building Codes.
The PBRS applies to all types of buildings (including the building sites and facilities associated, such as warehouses, hospitals, labs, industrial buildings and hotels. Any building intended for permanent use and air-conditioning must meet PBRS requirements.
For projects comprising multiple buildings or campuses, teams can choose the “multiple buildings” approach to streamline submissions and reviews. However, project teams seeking to use this approach must seek approval and guidance from the UPC’s Estidama team.
Buildings with a gross floor area (GFA) exceeding 40,000 square metres will undergo evaluation by the UPC for the PRS rating. Nevertheless, the building must be registered with the Municipality overseeing its location and adhere to the building permit process.
Pearl Villa Rating System
Much like the systems mentioned above, the Pearl Villa Rating System (PVRS) also works towards promoting sustainable villa developments and improving the quality of life. Creating a sustainable villa involves blending the four pillars of Estidama through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach to villa development. This is known as the Integrated Development Process.
The PVRS promotes water, energy, and waste reduction, encourages the use of local materials, and aims to enhance supply chains for sustainable and recycled materials and products.
An Executive Council Order from May 2010 mandates that all new villas must meet Estidama requirements starting from September 2010. In response, significant efforts have been made to align the PVRS with the Abu Dhabi Development and Building Codes.
The PVRS applies to any new standalone enclosed permanent structure intended to be built on either a new or existing plot. These structures must contain one dwelling unit for use by a single household, or they can be multi-residential buildings of three stories or fewer above grade, accommodating multiple dwelling units.
Thousands of new villas are set to begin construction in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and this system will enhance the quality, comfort, and sustainable performance of these villas.
Both the UPC and the local municipality play roles in evaluating PVRS submissions. Individual villas and projects comprising fewer than 10 villas will be assessed directly by the municipalities as part of their established building permitting process.
Estidama & Development Review
Planning permission from the UPC is a prerequisite for all strategic developments in Abu Dhabi. Upon receiving Detailed Planning Approval, the full requirements of the PRS Design Rating become applicable. It’s imperative to achieve the Design Rating before obtaining building permits from the Municipalities.
The Design Rating application is closely linked with the building permitting process at relevant Municipalities. They must be submitted after the construction documentation stage. Upon completion of construction, the Construction Rating application must be filed.
Upon submission of the Pearl Design Rating application to UPC, the Estidama team will review it, providing feedback and comments to the Municipality. The Municipality remains accountable for issuing building permits.
Any information submitted as part of the requirements will not be publicly disclosed and will be treated as confidential, except as necessary for identifying the project and its key participants for Estidama certification purposes.
FAQs
What is the meaning of Estidama?
Estidama is an Arabic real estate term that means sustainability.
What is the importance of Estidama in Abu Dhabi?
In a world grappling with environmental challenges, initiatives like Estidama are becoming increasingly crucial, positioning Abu Dhabi as a trailblazer in sustainable urban planning.
What are the Estidama rating systems?
There are three rating systems under Estidama: the Pearl Community Rating System, the Pearl Building Rating System and the Pearl Villa Rating System.
There you have it – all the key details about the Estidama program. This is not simply a rating method; it is a vision and a desire to achieve a new sustainable way of life in the capital.
By promoting a new sense of responsibility with Estidama, the UPC is going beyond other sustainable development initiatives around the world, by creating new tools, resources and procedures crucial to its sustainability vision.
Besides, those looking to buy property in the capital can go through this list of properties for sale in Abu Dhabi.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top property blog for more on different real estate initiatives.
